Pumpkins Remain Resilient In Warm Weather

OSWEGO, IL — Frank Keller’s pumpkin harvest is going smoothly this year despite this month's warm, record-breaking temperatures. According to the National Weather Service, September saw its only seven-day stretch with temperatures above 90 degrees in Chicago. That was from Sept. 20-26. Keller co-owns Keller family farms locations in Oswego, Naperville and Plainfield. He says it affected the people more than the product.

“As long as the pumpkin was in good shape to begin with, it probably didn’t have much of an effect,” Keller says. “As long as they’re connected to the vine.” He predicts he’ll see an influx of people this weekend and throughout October for prime picking season. Those pumpkins have been growing since May and June.

“Even they were small, back in June and July, it’s amazing how well these pumpkins take heat. I don’t know what it is about pumpkins but they end up doing just fine.” Maybe producing a good harvest is in his blood. The family has been growing pumpkins for around 110 years.

If anything, he says, it’s a little dry now. Dusty conditions make maintenance more difficult. But all in all, he’s calling this season a success.

“We’ve got probably 18 acres of pumpkins and we harvest part of the field to send out for orders for park districts and stores.” He estimates 90 percent are picked from the vine in Oswego. Keller Farms charges 45 cents per pound but prices never exceed $12. The Oswego farmstand is at 2500 Johnson Road.

Main image via Keller's Farmstand